USA: New Farm Brings Sustainable Farming To Northern Michigan
by Miya Ingle
April 16, 2021
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Pine Hill Farms uses a controlled environment agriculture system to grow produce. (Miya Ingle/ WPBN)
KALKASKA COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- There's a new farm in northern Michigan that provides fresh and local produce all-year-round using environmentally friendly practices and high-tech resources.
If you're driving down Tower Road in Kalkaska, you might notice a big container.
The container is home to Pine Hill Farms, a farm that uses a controlled environment agriculture system to grow produce.
The produce is grown hydroponically instead of in the ground.
Staff at Pine Hill Farms say this growing method uses 95% fewer resources than traditional farming.
"Some of the biggest benefits to growing hydroponically versus in a traditional manner is number one; we can grow year-round, 365 days a year," Pine Hill Farms Founder Jeff Bickley said. "Number two, we're hyperlocal. Local is a really big deal. People want to support local businesses. They also benefit from the difference in freshness."
Pine Hill Farms is currently growing nine different kinds of lettuce but plans to expand its products in the future.
The farm is connecting with local restaurants to sell its produce to.